PITTSBURGH, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ --The independent and unrelated manufacturer of Giant Eagle and Food Club frozen loose hash browns has been informed of the presence of a bacterium in products made in the same facility as these items.

Upon receiving this information, Giant Eagle immediately performed a voluntary market recall of all potentially affected products and engaged an independent laboratory to test samples of these products. Giant Eagle has confirmed that some of these products have tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis which is a potentially serious infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), the risk of an individual developing a listeria infection after consumption of a contaminated product is very small. Listeriosis affects primarily persons of advanced age, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems.

It is important to note that potential health risks are virtually eliminated if the product is cooked as directed. Additionally, there are no reported cases of customer illness due to consumption of these items, and no other Giant Eagle products are affected.

Customers who have previously purchased the affected product should dispose of it or return it to their local Giant Eagle where they will receive the double your money back guarantee upheld for all Giant Eagle brand products.

About Giant Eagle

Giant Eagle, Inc. operates 222 supermarkets and 154 fuel and convenience stores throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, north central West Virginia and Maryland.